This forum is now read-only, and a new forum is up. My involvement is over.
Thank you to all who have participated in this forum over the years, especially to those of you who have remained polite and respectful of your peers.
My interest in Russian/Soviet military affairs disappeared a long time ago. Some time ago I offered to moderate this forum because I knew what it once was, and was appalled at what it had become. For the last couple of years I have sought to enforce cordial discussion and the exchange of ideas without resorting to insults and flaming. I believe I have succeeded, and am happy with that belief.
For seven years I have been a contributor to this forum, and for two years this site has been my homepage. That will no longer be so. I may drop in to the new RBF site from time to time, just because I'm curious, but I don't expect to post there, and in fact have yet to register for a login ID.
There is a quote made famous by General Douglas MacArthur: "Old soldiers never die, they just fade away." While I am not an old soldier, it is my intention to disappear. I don't build models of WW2 aircraft or tanks anymore — that was my thirty-year passion that led me to a love of history and languages. But for the last few years I've been involved in model railroading, and instead of designing parts for T34s or decals for Lavochkins, I am now designing caboose models. A few years ago I gave away all my books and magazines pertaining to WW2 military history and modelling, and started accumulating railroad books and magazines. I like it, and I have no regrets.
So farewell to you all. Keep the faith, and remember to read between the lines. Russia is a great nation, populated by many wonderful peoples, but profoundly shaped by their hisory. Knowing them, understanding them, is something we in the West need to do to ensure peace and prosperity for our children and grandchildren, and for their children and grandchildren.
Good bye.
Scott Fraser
Calgary, Alberta
Canada
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